Best EPIRBs and PLBs for Australia — 2026

An EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) is a distress beacon designed primarily for marine use. When activated — either manually or automatically when submerged in water — it transmits a 406 MHz distress signal to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system, which relays the alert and your GPS position to the nearest Rescue Coordination Centre. In Australia, this is the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). EPIRBs are mandatory safety equipment on many classes of vessel in Australian waters. They are designed to be mounted in a bracket on the vessel and, in the case of float-free EPIRBs, will automatically activate and float free if the vessel sinks. The 406 MHz frequency is internationally recognised and provides a much more accurate position fix than older 121.5 MHz beacons, which are no longer monitored by satellite. All EPIRBs sold in Australia must be 406 MHz and comply with Australian standards.

A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is a smaller, personal distress beacon that operates on the same 406 MHz frequency and COSPAS-SARSAT system as an EPIRB. PLBs are designed to be carried by an individual — worn on a life jacket, clipped to a pack or carried in a pocket — and are activated manually when the user is in distress. PLBs are widely used by hikers, bushwalkers, remote area workers, fishermen and anyone travelling in areas without mobile coverage. Unlike EPIRBs, PLBs do not float free automatically and must be manually activated. They also have a shorter battery life (typically 24 hours of transmission) compared to EPIRBs (typically 48 hours). PLBs are not a substitute for a mandatory marine EPIRB on a vessel — they serve a different purpose and are not designed for automatic float-free activation.

The main differences between EPIRBs and PLBs are: Purpose — EPIRBs are designed for vessels and can activate automatically; PLBs are personal devices that must be manually activated. Size — EPIRBs are larger and designed to be mounted on a vessel; PLBs are compact enough to be carried on a person. Battery life — EPIRBs typically provide 48+ hours of transmission; PLBs typically provide 24 hours. Activation — EPIRBs can be float-free (automatic) or manual; PLBs are always manual. Regulatory status — EPIRBs are mandatory on many vessel classes in Australian waters; PLBs are not a substitute for a mandatory EPIRB. Both types must be registered with AMSA, and both transmit on 406 MHz with GPS position data. For marine use, an EPIRB is the appropriate device for the vessel; a PLB is an additional personal safety device for each person on board. For land-based remote travel, a PLB is the standard choice.

All modern EPIRBs and PLBs sold in Australia include an integrated GPS receiver. This is critically important — a GPS-enabled beacon transmits your precise GPS coordinates along with the distress signal, allowing rescue services to locate you within approximately 100 metres. Without GPS, the COSPAS-SARSAT system can only narrow your position to within approximately 5km using Doppler calculations, which significantly increases search time. When purchasing an EPIRB or PLB, always confirm it is GPS-enabled (sometimes described as 'GPS-integrated' or 'with GPS'). All current-generation beacons from reputable manufacturers include GPS, but older or very cheap units may not. The GPS fix is transmitted with the first satellite pass after activation, which typically occurs within 5 minutes.

EPIRBs and PLBs sold in Australia must comply with Australian standards and be type-approved for use in Australia. The relevant standard for PLBs is AS/NZS 4280.2; for EPIRBs, the relevant standard is AS/NZS 4280.1.1 (EPIRBs) and AS/NZS 4280.2 (PLBs).2. Beacons must also be coded with an Australian MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) or Beacon Identification Code (BIC) that identifies them as Australian-registered devices. This is critically important: a beacon purchased overseas and coded for another country may not be recognised by the Australian rescue system, or may trigger a response in the wrong country. Always purchase EPIRBs and PLBs from reputable Australian retailers and confirm the unit is coded for Australian registration. Reputable Australian manufacturers and distributors include GME (a leading Australian manufacturer), ACR Electronics, Ocean Signal and McMurdo. Avoid purchasing beacons from unverified overseas sellers without confirming Australian compliance.

All EPIRBs and PLBs used in Australia must be registered with AMSA (the Australian Maritime Safety Authority). Registration is free and can be completed online at the Australian Beacon Registry. Registration links your beacon's unique 15-digit hex ID to your personal details, vessel information (for EPIRBs) and emergency contacts. When your beacon is activated, AMSA can immediately contact your emergency contacts and access your registration details to assist the rescue response. It is essential to keep your registration details current — if you change your vessel, contact details or emergency contacts, update your registration immediately. An unregistered beacon will still trigger a rescue response, but the response will be slower and less targeted. Registration takes approximately 10 minutes online. Register your beacon at: https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/registration/

EPIRBs and PLBs have a battery expiry date that is typically 5–10 years from manufacture, depending on the model. The battery must be replaced before the expiry date — an expired battery may not provide the full transmission time required in an emergency. Battery replacement must be carried out by an authorised service centre; it is not a DIY task, as the beacon must be retested and recertified after battery replacement. The expiry date is printed on the beacon and should be checked regularly. Some manufacturers offer a battery replacement and recertification service; others recommend replacing the entire unit when the battery expires, as the cost of replacement and recertification may approach the cost of a new unit. Keep a record of your beacon's battery expiry date and schedule replacement well in advance.

EPIRBs are available in two activation types: float-free (automatic) and manual. A float-free EPIRB is mounted in a hydrostatic release bracket on the vessel. If the vessel sinks, the hydrostatic release activates at a depth of approximately 1–4 metres, releasing the EPIRB to float to the surface and automatically activate. This is the preferred type for offshore and ocean voyaging, as it provides automatic activation even if the crew is incapacitated. A manual EPIRB must be physically activated by a crew member — it does not activate automatically. Manual EPIRBs are suitable for inshore and coastal use where the risk of rapid sinking is lower. For offshore voyaging, a float-free EPIRB is strongly recommended. Note that the hydrostatic release mechanism also has an expiry date (typically 2 years) and must be replaced regularly.

Queensland has specific safety requirements for eligible lightweight craft (ELC) — a category that includes many small recreational vessels such as kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and small open boats. Under Queensland maritime safety regulations, persons operating eligible lightweight craft in certain waters are required to carry a PLB or EPIRB. The specific requirements depend on the type of craft, the waters being navigated and the distance from shore. Queensland boaters should check the current requirements with Maritime Safety Queensland before heading out, as the rules are subject to change. A PLB carried by an individual on an ELC does not replace the requirement for a vessel EPIRB on larger vessels — the two requirements are separate. Always check current Queensland maritime safety requirements at the Maritime Safety Queensland website.

GME is Australia's leading domestic manufacturer of EPIRBs and PLBs. The GME MT610G PLB is a well-regarded Australian-made PLB with GPS, a 7-year battery life and a compact, rugged design. GME also manufactures a range of EPIRBs for marine use. ACR Electronics is a US-based manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Their ResQLink and ResQLink View PLBs are popular choices in Australia and are available through Australian retailers coded for AMSA registration. Ocean Signal is a UK-based manufacturer whose rescueME PLB1 is one of the smallest and lightest PLBs available — a popular choice for hikers and bushwalkers who prioritise minimal weight. McMurdo is another reputable manufacturer with a range of EPIRBs and PLBs available in Australia. When purchasing any beacon, confirm it is coded for Australian registration and purchase from a reputable Australian retailer.